May 27, 2026 Meeting Minutes
The Board of Commissioners of the Beaufort Housing Authority convened a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 5:15 p.m., at the Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room. The meeting was called to order by Chairman Ethan M. James, and upon roll call those present and absent were as follows:
Commissioners Present:
- Chairman Ethan James
- Vice Chair Marilyn Harris
- Commissioner William Achurch
- Commissioner Linda Robinson
- Commissioner Janie Glover
- Commissioner Natassia Allen
Commissioners Not Present: None
Staff and Guests attending the meeting included the following:
Staff:
- Aris Hanchard Ferguson, Interim Executive Director.
Guests:
- Ronald T. Scott, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
- Joseph Dickey, Legal Counsel, Haynesworth Sinkler Boyd, P.A.
- Nioka Tompo, 10 Quail Ridge Drive
Call to Order and Roll Call
Chairman James called the meeting to order, took roll, and a quorum was recognized.
Freedom of Information Act Statement
The Interim Executive Director confirmed that the meeting was publicly noticed, posted, and distributed in compliance with the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act.
Adoption of Agenda
Commissioner Robinson moved to Approve the agenda as presented. Commissioner Allen seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
Approval of Minutes
The Board considered the minutes of the April 17, 2026, Special Meeting, April 22, 2026, Regular Meeting, and May 6, 2026 Special Meeting. During the discussion, Chairman James requested clarification regarding procurement terminology contained in the May 6, 2026, minutes referencing the "lowest responsive and responsible bidder." Staff explained that the phrase in standard procurement terminology indicating the lowest-priced bidder that is both responsive and responsible. Commissioner Achurch moved to approve the April 17, April 22, and May 6, 2026, meeting minutes. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. Vice Chair Harris abstained from voting. Motion carried.
Public Comment
The Board received public comments from resident Nioka Tompo regarding maintenance concerns, housing conditions, communication issues, lease administration matters, and requests for additional review of conditions at her residence. Ms. Tompo provided written materials and photographs for Board review and requested consideration of various maintenance-related concerns, including cabinetry, flooring, plumbing, and communication issues. She also expressed interest in future resident representation opportunities on the Board. Board members thanked Ms. Tompo for her comments and advised that staff would follow up regarding the concerns raised.
A second individual joined the meeting virtually; however, the Board was unable to establish audio communication despite multiple attempts. No public comment was received from the virtual attendee.
Interim Executive Director's Report
The Interim Executive Director provided an operational update. She reported that the agency's financial audit had been completed with no findings or issues identified. She also provided updates on the Sandalwood Terrace and Marsh Point redevelopment efforts, including upcoming resolutions that will be required in connection with redevelopment financing and tax credit applications. Director Ferguson discussed the ongoing portfolio-wide assessment of scattered-site properties and single-family homes to evaluate long-term sustainability and redevelopment opportunities. Additional updates included the status of roof replacement work and the required asbestos assessments prior to construction, discussions regarding the property at 29 Gay Street and construction access considerations, and a review of the police substation located at 1205 Duke Street, including the need to evaluate existing agreements and future use. The Board discussed the police substation arrangement and requested that staff continue gathering information regarding usage and potential lease arrangements. She further discussed the former Head Start facility at Sandalwood Terrace and potential future use considerations. The Board also discussed maintaining flexibility regarding future use of the former Head Start facility as redevelopment planning continues. She further discussed progress toward transitioning employee health insurance coverage and completing required application materials. Director Ferguson provided information regarding recent HUD discussions concerning long-term management requirements related to the agency's RAD application, and the previously reported substandard management designation received for FY2023. Finally Director Ferguson discussed scheduling a formal presentation of the previously completed forensic audit for the July Board Meeting.
Old Business
There was no old business.
New Business
The Board reviewed redevelopment-related resolutions included in the meeting packet for informational purposes. Staff advised the resolutions would be presented for formal action at the June 2026 meeting to meet upcoming tax credit application deadlines.
Executive Session
Commissioner Harris moved to enter Executive Session for matters authorized under the South Carolina Freedom of Information Act. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
The Board entered Executive Session at 6:31 p.m.
Following Executive Session, Commissioner Church moved to return to Open Session. Commissioner Robinson seconded
the motion. The motion carried unanimously.
The Board returned to Open Session at 7:45 p.m.
Chairman James announced that no votes were taken during Executive Session and no action was required upon returning to Open Session.
Possible Votes as a Result of Executive Session
None.
Questions and Comments; Next Regular Meeting
The next regular meeting of the Beaufort Housing Authority Board of Commissioners is scheduled for June 17, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., at the Beaufort Housing Authority Conference Room.
Adjournment
Commissioner Achurch moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Robinson seconded the motion. The motion carried unanimously. There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned at 7:45 p.m.